We Learn Obedience and Faith Through the Things We Suffer
As followers of Christ, we must change the way we view life and how we assess and evaluate the things that we go throughand the things that happens to us and around us. Some people have been taught a belief that followers of Christ should not suffer or experience, hardship, agony or grief. This is so far from the truth, because this fallen world system is filled with challenges, pain and misery. We all will suffer in this life at some point. It is in the process of going through these hardships that we learn to trust, respect and rely on God’s word, just as Jesus did.
Hebrews 5:8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. NKJ
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ
God sent His Son to redeem this world and to pay a debt that we could not pay. Through the things He suffered He learned obedience and trust in God. He trusted God in navigating His life in this fallen world system. We all will encounter tests and trials that will challenge our faith but it is when we choose to put our trust in God our Father and be obedient to His word, even to the point of pain or suffering, that our faith is displayed to this loss world.
1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ
God required obedience from the first Adam but he rebelled and disobeyed God’s command. Jesus came as the second Adam and even though He was the Son of God, He was obedient even to the death on a cross. Jesus was despised and rejected by men and He endured the shame of dying for our sins. Jesus said, the servant is not greater than His master and the challenges and rejection He went through we as believers will go through at some point. But it is how we go through or navigate our problems that tries our faith that reveals our loyalties.
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. NKJ
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJ
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ
Christ is our example in that He trusted in every situation that God would judge all things right. That God would orchestrate and guide His life situations in ways that would eventually bring God glory and allow God’s light to shine into dark places. Some situations may appear as though we are without any hope of being vindicated in this life. Though it may have appeared in the natural that Christ was defeated when He died on the cross, but His death was the very event that brought victory and allowed sinners to be saved by grace.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ
We too will experience persecution, rejection and some may experience physical harm or may live as outcasts, or as though dead to family and friends. But it is when we respond to these situations in love, that these crises will demonstrate and display our faith in God love. Our limited minds can only see things in part, but the Almighty God can reach across the lines of life and death, rich and poor, soul and spirit to bring about a triumph that no one could have imagined.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” NKJ
The difference between the world’s way and the followers of Christ is how they will respond to persecution. We are to show love in face of oppositions and to be the example of how love while being challenged. So to show others how they are to act during times of hardship or suffering.
The world will say, you deserve better or you should not have to suffer through these hard times. However, God tells us differently, that we will experience tribulations as Christ followers. Jesus was sent to seek and to save the lost, He came and His life was spent, depleted and used so that we may be redeemed. Just as Followers of Christ are also being sent and poured out for a lost world. Therefore, we too must die to ourown ambition and lay aside those monetary life accomplishments if need be for the sake of someone’s eternal soul. Followers of Christ in the natural world, are to lay these things aside to do the work of God in the lives of those around us. This is so that others who are lost might be saved, to have eternal life with Christ forever.
John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” NKJ
When an olive is crushed or the grape is pressed, the true essence of the inner substance, the oil or juice will flow out. It is when a cup is rattled or shaken that what lies within spills out. The same goes for humanity, as life presses in on us, that which dominates our spirit within will spills out, be it the love of God or hate and fear which is of the enemy.
When life comes at us hard, when we are totally spent and exhausted, that is when our true expression of faith in God will be seen. It is our true self that is an automatic response in those hard situations and will be shown in that instant. Rather than justifying our actions with the reasons of this world, be it stress, anxiety or anger, we should take note as to what flowed out of our soul and spirit. It is in the recognition and the confession of the problem that we can ask God to create in us a clean heart, right spirit and to let His love flow in and through us.
2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. KJV
Life is about challenges and choices and it is through these challenges that we make know our choices. Followers of Christ must stand firm as Satan constantly comes to try and create doubt and to challenge God’s word. It is how we choose to respond to these problems that will display our faith and beliefs in God to both the natural and spiritual world around us. God is glorified when we obey His word and this reveals our faith and trust in God’s love for us.
Romans 16:19-20 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. NKJ
Integrity- People of God 